Free-radical functionalisation of vinylcyclopropanes

Free-radical mediated cyclopropane ring opening of 2-silylbicyclo[3.1.0]hexane 1 has been carried out leading to the corresponding trisubstituted cyclopentenes 5 and 6 in good yield with complete 1,2-stereocontrot. [3+2]-Annulation has also been performed by trapping the resulting radical with electron-rich and electron-poor olefins, leading to the corresponding polycyclic compounds. Further studies on the functionalisation of dihydropyridines and pyrroles using this methodology is also described. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.